Wedding DIY Project: Ice Cream Bar

With Memorial Day here, the summer has unofficially started!  The air is hot and humid, school is out (or almost), and the bugs are biting again.  If you’re having a spring or summer wedding, it’s important that your guests stay cool.  What better way to do this than with an ice cream station, set up at your wedding reception?

My mouth is watering!  And this spread is amazing!  So, how do you recreate a set-up like this?

1. Refrigeration

Before you proceed with this, truly consider your options of keeping your perishable ingredients cool.  Will this bar be outdoors, or will you have some indoor space for it?  Do you need to bring a travel-friendly cooler for back-ups?  Or does your reception venue have a small refrigerator for use?

Once you have figured out the broad idea of refrigeration, you need to keep the ice cream (that is being used) cool.  I love the idea of using a large metal container (see photo above) and filling it with ice.  It’s cute and adds a vintage touch!

Tip: Instead of purchasing a gallon of ice cream, consider purchasing pints.  They can store better and stay cooler; and, if you get a simple store-brand vanilla ice cream, it’ll be cheaper!

2. Flavors & Toppings

This is all personal preference.  Go wild and have fun with it!  If you are Neapolitan ice cream lovers but you’re not sure if your guests would enjoy the blend, buy vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry separately.  That way, your guests can have choices and make their own mixes.  If you’re jelly bean or gummy bear connoisseurs, supply those as some of your toppings.  Whatever you want, get it!

Tip: Go for more eclectic flavors, if you don’t like the traditional route such as rocky road, strawberry cheesecake, or mint chocolate chip.  Have at least five different toppings, from M&M’s and Skittles to caramel chips and crushed cookies.  The options are endless, and don’t forget to buy in bulk to keep cost down!

3. Containers

Raid your local thrift store or antique shop for fine glassware that’s inexpensive.  Rather than storing things in the containers they come in, empty out your chocolate chips in a cute glass bowl or a vintage glass vase with a scoop for the contents.  We love the idea of using a wooden box and labeling all of the toppings!

For the liquid toppings, rummage through your kitchen and use gravy boats or creamer cups: anything with a spout works!  For a twist, mix it up and stray away from having everything match.  This idea is perfect for those shabby chic weddings.

4. Cups or Bowls?

Stop by your local party store and pick up paper cups of your color choice.  Paper cups are more economical and are easy for people to handle since it fits snugly in their hand.  Pair them with a matching spoon and they’re good to go!

5. Decoration

Last but not least, decoration is key.  Tie everything together with your decoration and your ice cream bar will certainly be memorable.  Since this is a DIY project, rely on the adorableness of paper projects.  Bunting flags are perfect to hang on the wall that the ice cream bar is leaning against and the actual table itself: drape it along the front and add two or three for added effect. Create a delightful sign that hangs on the wall with a cute slogan such as “Love is Sweet” or “Ice Cream for Love” (I Scream for Love).

You can’t forget the little signs with this type of wedding reception bar.  Create and print out signs for all of your toppings and ice cream flavors indicating what they are and trust us, the more flourishes on the signs, the better.  If you want to get really creative, throw on a sticker on each of the cups: this sticker can have the same slogan on your wall, a picture of the two of you, or a monogram with your wedding date.  Have fun with this wedding reception ice cream bar because the ideas are endless!